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Slatsky - Complaint FINAL
Slatsky - Complaint FINAL
2/7/2022 4:59 PM
Steven D. Grierson
1 COMJD CLERK OF THE COURT
LLOYD W. BAKER, ESQ.
2 Nevada Bar No.: 6893
ANDREW BARTON, ESQ.
3 Nevada Bar No.: 12692
ALYSSA PIRAINO, ESQ.
4
Nevada Bar No.: 14601
5 BAKER LAW OFFICES
500 S. Eighth Street
6 Las Vegas, NV 89101
Telephone: (702) 360-4949
7 Facsimile: (702) 360-3234
[email protected]
8 Attorneys for Plaintiffs
9 Associated Counsel:
10
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
6 INTRODUCTION
7 1. This action seeks compensatory and punitive damages from Defendants for
8 violation of various rights under the United States Constitution and state law in connection with
10 PARTIES
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11 2. At all relevant times, Tiffany Slatsky (“Decedent”) was a resident of Clark County
14 4. At all relevant times, Plaintiff CADE SLATSKY was and is a resident of Clark
15 County in the State of Nevada. Additionally, MARTIN SLATSKY, as parent and legal guardian
16 of CADE SLATSKY was and is a resident of Clark County in the State of Nevada.
21 ANDREW STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS were and are residents of Clark County in the
22 State of Nevada.
26 NORTH LAS VEGAS within the North Las Vegas Fire Department.
2 an agency governed and funded by the City of North Las Vegas within the State of Nevada.
3 10. At all relevant times, CNLV was the employer of Defendants CHRISTOPHER
5 ANDREW STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS, who were North Las Vegas Fire Department
11 DOE DEFENDANTS were duly authorized employees and agents of CNLV, who were acting
12 under color of law within the course and scope of their respective duties as North Las Vegas Fire
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13 Department firefighter/EMTs, superior officers, supervisors, and/or managers and with the
17 DOE DEFENDANTS were duly appointed officers and/or employees or agents of CNLV,
19 13. In doing the acts and failing to act as hereinafter described, Defendants
21 HONSOWETZ, ANDREW STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS were acting on the implied
23 14. Defendant GNLV, LLC dba GOLDEN NUGGET HOTEL & CASINO is a
25 15. At all relevant times, Defendant DOMAIN PROPERTY OWNER LLC was a
26 Foreign Limited-Liability Company registered to do business in Clark County, Nevada, and was
27 the owner and/or manager of the apartment complex property located at 831 Coronado Center
2 was a Foreign Limited Partnership registered to do business in Clark County, Nevada, and was
3 the owner and/or manager of the apartment complex property located at 831 Coronado Center
6 107 Nev. 873, 822 P.2d 1100 (1991), the identity of resident and non-resident defendants
7 designated herein as DOE DEFENDANTS I through XX, and ROE CORPORATIONS I through
8 X, are presently unknown to Plaintiff. Upon information and belief these DOE and ROE
9 defendants, and each of them, were involved in the initiation, approval, support, or execution of
10 one or more of the wrongful acts or omissions upon which this action is premised, or of similar
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11 actions directed against Plaintiff about which Plaintiff is presently unaware, and which directly
12 and proximately caused injury and damages to Plaintiff, including but not limited to:
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13 unreasonably owning, maintaining, operating, entrusting, or repairing any vehicle that caused
14 injury to Plaintiff. ROE and DOE defendants also include but are not limited to: a) presently
15 unknown employers of defendant(s) who are responsible for the acts of their employees under
16 NRS 41.745, or under the doctrine of respondeat superior; b) owners of the defendant’s vehicle
17 who are liable under NRS 41.440, or the family purpose doctrine; c) persons involved in the
18 design, manufacturer distribution and placement into the stream of commerce of an unreasonably
19 dangerous and unfit product that caused damages to Plaintiff, and which persons are strictly liable
20 under products liability law; and, d) known witnesses whose particular culpability is not known
21 at this time but may be made known once true facts are learned. As the specific identities of
22 these parties are revealed through discovery, the DOE or ROE appellation will be replaced to
23 identify these parties by their true names and capacities. Hereinafter reference to Defendant or
25 18. That upon information and belief, Defendants, inclusive of DOES and ROES, and
26 each of them, at all relevant times, were the owner, partner, servant, officer, agent, employer
27 and/or employee of the other, and each of them, and were at all relevant times acting within the
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1 scope and performance of said partnership, agency, master/servant, and employment
2 relationship.
3 19. This Court has jurisdiction over this matter under NRS 14.065 and NRS 4.370(1),
4 as the facts alleged occurred in Clark County, Nevada and involve an amount in controversy in
5 excess of $15,000.00. Venue is proper pursuant to NRS 13.040, as Defendants, or any one of
8 20. Upon information and belief, in the weeks prior to February 21, 2020, a number
11 ANDREW STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS, planned a party that would take place at the
15 STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS engaged in the purchase, trade, and sale of the illicit drugs
16 that were to be used and distributed at the February 21, 2020 party.
17 22. That on or about February 21, 2020, Decedent, Tiffany Slatsky, attended the party
18 at GOLDEN NUGGET HOTEL & CASINO, with her husband, Defendant CHRISTOPHER
19 CANDITO, who was employed as a North Las Vegas firefighter at the time.
20 23. Also in attendance were a number of North Las Vegas firefighters, including, but
23 24. At the time of the party, Defendant NICOLAS ROBISON was a North Las Vegas
24 Fire Captain.
25 25. Upon information and belief, attendees at that party, including Decedent, were
26 engaging in the use of illicit drugs including, but not limited to, morphine, cocaine, and ecstasy.
27 26. Upon information and belief, other firefighters and/or employees of Defendant
28 CNLV were also in attendance at the February 21, 2020 party, and were involved in purchasing,
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1 selling, or otherwise providing the illicit drugs used at that party and are hereby designated as
2 DOE DEFENDANTS until such time that their identities can be verified.
3 27. Upon information and belief, CNLV superior officers and/or employees within
4 the North Las Vegas Fire Department had knowledge of illicit drug dealings among the
5 department employees, and either participated in, condoned, or otherwise failed to respond to
6 such activities.
9 STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS were stationed at North Las Vegas Fire Station 51, which
10 had a reputation of being a “party station” with numerous employees engaged in the purchase,
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
13 HONSOWETZ, STOCKER and DOE DEFENDANTS were duly appointed employees or agents
14 of CNLV and/or NLVFD, subject to oversight and supervision by CNLV and/or NLVFD elected
16 30. Upon information and belief, the February 21, 2020 hotel party lasted through the
17 night and Decedent and Defendant CANDITO did not leave said party until sometime between
19 31. After leaving the February 21, 2020 party, Decedent and Defendant CANDITO
20 returned to their residence at 831 Coronado Center Drive, #1203, Henderson, NV 89052.
21 32. Upon information and belief, on February 22, 2020, after returning home from the
22 party, Defendant CANDITO provided Decedent with morphine pills that had been obtained
23 through dealings with Defendants CLAPPER, ROBISON, HONSOWETZ, STOCKER and DOE
24 DEFENDANTS.
25 33. Shortly after decedent had ingested the subject morphine pills, she began slurring
26 her words and acting irregularly. Defendant CANDITO, based on his training in emergency
27 medical care as a North Las Vegas firefighter, believed that decedent was experiencing overdose
2 residence in Henderson to North Las Vegas Fire Station 51, upon recognizing the overdose
3 symptoms she was exhibiting. Rather than taking decedent to the nearest hospital, which was
4 only minutes away, Defendant CANDITO took decedent to his fire station, located
6 35. Defendant CANDITO used his employee key card to enter North Las Vegas Fire
7 Station 51, and retrieve Narcan, Zofran, and IV equipment from the station’s medical supplies,
9 36. If Defendant CANDITO was not a CNLV employee and North Las Vegas
10 firefighter at Station 51, he would not have been able to enter the building and access those
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11 medical supplies.
12 37. Upon information and belief, the CNLV and NLVFD’s regulation and oversight
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13 of its employees and medical supply stock were so woefully inadequate that Defendant
14 CANDITO was permitted to enter Station 51 and have unfettered access to dangerous
16 38. After retrieving those medications and medical supplies, Defendant CANDITO
17 went back to his vehicle where he had left Decedent, started an IV in Decedent’s right arm, and
18 administered approximately two milligrams of Narcan. In doing so, Defendant CANDITO acted
19 under color of law as a CNLV employee and North Law Vegas firefighter/EMT. The ordinary
20 private citizen would not have the requisite knowledge, training, and experience to administer an
21 IV of Narcan, nor would an ordinary citizen have had access to the medical supplies, which
22 Defendant CANDITO obtained at Station 51 and by virtue of his position as a CNLV employee
24 39. Defendant CANDITO had been trained on details related to the use,
25 administration, and other specifics related to Narcan as part of his training for the North Las
27
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1 40. After administering Narcan in his vehicle, Defendant CANDITO drove decedent
2 back to their residence and Decedent and Defendant CANDITO fell asleep at approximately
4 41. Upon information and belief, firefighters and medics are trained that Narcan is
7 CANDITO either was not properly trained with regards to Narcan administration or he violated
8 his training with regards to administering Narcan and then returning home, rather than to a
9 hospital.
11 and found Decedent unresponsive. At that time, Defendant CANDITO had 911 contacted and
14 nearby curb, and awaited the arrival of medical personnel. When paramedics arrived, they
15 initially took Decedent back into the residence before then transporting her to the hospital where
17 44. Upon information and belief, Decedent died as a result of multiple drug
20 specifically, the subject residence. Various substances were retrieved from the scene, including
21 psilocybin, MDMA, morphine, cocaine, and tadalafil. Additional medical supplies, including
22 syringes and saline for intravenous use, were also located inside of the subject residence.
24 and DOE DEFENDANTS misuse of power, as described above, possessed by virtue of their
25 employment with the CNLV and NLVFD, is action taken under the color of state law. Indeed, a
26 defendant in a 42 U.S.C. section 1983 lawsuit acts under the color of state law when he abuses
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1 FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
2 Denial of Medical Care (42 U.S.C. § 1983) against Defendant CANDITO and Defendant
4 47. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege each and every allegation in all preceding
5 paragraphs of this Complaint with the same force and effect as if fully set forth herein.
6 48. At all relevant times, CANDITO was acting under color of state law. Further, at
7 all relevant times, CANDITO was acting within his official capacity, and the CNLV and NLVFD
8 were a moving force behind the violations of Decedent’s constitutional rights, including the right
9 to timely medical care under the Fourth Amendment. When CANDITO provided illicit morphine
10 pills to Decedent and then denied Decedent timely medical care, he exercised power possessed
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11 by virtue of state law and made possible only because CANDITO was clothed with the authority
12 of state law. CANDITO was employed by the state and abused the position given to him by the
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13 state; thus, he acted under color of state law. Further, CANDITO’s actions—including providing
14 the illicit morphine pills, refusing to take Decedent to the hospital after Decedent exhibited
15 overdose symptoms, providing his own personal medical treatment to Decedent with medications
16 and medical supplies he was given free access to at North Las Vegas Fire Station 51—were
17 performed while CANDITO was acting, purporting to act, or pretending to act in the performance
18 of his official duties as a firefighter/EMT for the CNLV and/or NLVFD. Additionally,
19 CANDITO’s pretense of acting in the performance of his official duties had the purpose and
20 effect of influencing the behavior of Decedent, percipient witnesses, and his employer the CNLV
21 and/or NLVFD. Third, CANDITO’s conduct was related in a meaningful way to his status as a
22 firefighter/EMT for the CNLV and/or NLVFD and performance of his duties as a
23 firefighter/EMT for the CNLV and/or NLVFD. CANDITO is sued in both his official capacity
25 49. After providing Decedent with the illicit morphine pills—knowing that she had
26 also ingested a number of other substances, CANDITO did not timely summon reasonable
27 medical attention for Decedent when he suspected that Decedent was showing symptoms of an
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1 overdose. CANDITO also prevented medical personnel from timely rendering medical
2 aid/assistance to Decedent.
5 51. CANDITO knew that the failure to provide timely medical treatment to Decedent
6 could result in further significant injury or the unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain, but
7 disregarded that serious medical need, causing Decedent great bodily harm and causing
8 Decedent’s death.
9 52. As a result of the denial of medical care, Decedent suffered extreme mental and
10 physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, the loss of her life, and the loss of her
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11 earning capacity.
12 53. The conduct of Defendant CANDITO was willful, wanton, malicious and done
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13 with reckless disregard for the rights and safety of Decedent and therefore warrants the
15 54. Also as a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned conduct, Plaintiff
16 CADE SLATSKY has been deprived of the life-long love, companionship, comfort, support,
17 society, and care of Decedent, and will continue to be so deprived for the remainder of his natural
18 life.
19 55. MARIAH MAAS and MARTIN SLATSKY bring this claim in representative
20 capacities as the appointed special administrator of Decedent’s Estate, and legal guardian of
22 56. Plaintiffs also seek attorneys’ fees and costs under this claim.
27 NLVFD
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1 57. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege each and every allegation in all preceding
2 paragraphs of this Complaint with the same force and effect as if fully set forth herein.
4 HONSOWETZ, STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS were acting under color of state law.
6 STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS were acting within their official capacity, and the CNLV
7 and NLVFD were a moving force behind the violations of Decedent’s constitutional rights,
8 including the right to timely medical care under the Fourth Amendment. When Defendants
10 procured and/or provided illicit drugs, including morphine pills for Decedent and then denied
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11 Decedent timely medical care, they exercised power possessed by virtue of state law and made
12 possible only because Defendants clothed with the authority of state law. Defendants
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14 were employed by the state and abused the position given to them by the state; thus, they acted
15 under color of state law. Further, Defendants’ actions and/or inactions—including providing the
16 illicit drugs, including morphine pills, refusing to take Decedent to the hospital after Decedent
18 medications and medical supplies Defendant CANDITO was given free access to at North Las
19 Vegas Fire Station 51—were performed while Defendants were acting, purporting to act, or
21 managers, and/or supervisors for the CNLV and/or NLVFD. Additionally, Defendants’ pretense
22 of acting in the performance of their official duties had the purpose and effect of influencing the
23 behavior of Decedent, percipient witnesses, and their employer the CNLV and/or NLVFD.
24 Third, Defendants’ conduct was related in a meaningful way to their status as firefighter/EMTs,
25 officers, managers, and/or supervisors for the CNLV and/or NLVFD and performance of their
26 duties for the CNLV and/or NLVFD. Defendants are sued in both their official capacity and
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1 59. Plaintiff CADE SLATSKY, through his legal guardian MARTIN SLATSKY, had
2 a cognizable interest under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United
3 States Constitution to be free from state actions that deprive him of life, liberty, or property in
4 such a manner as to shock the conscience, including but not limited to unwarranted state
6 60. Decedent had a cognizable interest under the Due Process Clause of the
7 Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution to be free from state actions that deprive
8 her of her right to life, liberty, or property in such a manner as to shock the conscience.
10 HONSOWETZ, STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS and CNLV, including the provision of
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11 illicit morphine pills and denial of medical care, along with other undiscovered conduct, to
13 HONSOWETZ, STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS, CNLV, and NLVFD acted and/or failed
14 to act with deliberate indifference to the constitutional rights of Decedent and Plaintiff CADE
15 SLATSKY.
17 and DOE DEFENDANTS, CNLV, and NLVFD thus violated the substantive due process rights
18 of Plaintiff CADE SLATSKY to be free from unwarranted interference with his familial
20 63. Also as a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned conduct, Plaintiff
21 CADE SLATSKY has been deprived of the life-long love, companionship, comfort, support,
22 society, and care of Decedent, and will continue to be so deprived for the remainder of his natural
23 life.
24 64. MARIAH MAAS and MARTIN SLATSKY bring this claim in representative
25 capacities as the appointed special administrator of Decedent’s Estate, and legal guardian of
27 65. Plaintiffs also seek attorneys’ fees and costs under this claim.
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1 THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
2 Unconstitutional Custom or Policy (42 U.S.C. § 1983 and Monell) against Defendants
4 DEFENDANTS (in their official capacity), Defendant CNLV, and Defendant NLVFD
5 66. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege each and every allegation in all preceding
6 paragraphs of this Complaint with the same force and effect as if fully set forth herein.
7 67. The acts of Defendants deprived Plaintiffs and Decedent of their rights under the
10 HONSOWETZ, STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS were acting under color of state law.
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
12 STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS were acting within their official capacity, and the CNLV
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13 was a moving force behind the violations of Decedent’s constitutional rights, including the right
14 to timely medical care under the Fourth Amendment. When Defendants CANDITO, CLAPPER,
16 illicit drugs, including morphine pills for Decedent and then denied Decedent timely medical
17 care, they exercised power possessed by virtue of state law and made possible only because
18 Defendants clothed with the authority of state law. Defendants CANDITO, CLAPPER,
19 ROBISON, HONSOWETZ, STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS were employed by the state
20 and abused the position given to them by the state; thus, they acted under color of state law.
21 Further, Defendants’ actions and/or inactions—including providing the illicit drugs, including
22 morphine pills, refusing to take Decedent to the hospital after Decedent exhibited overdose
23 symptoms, providing personal medical treatment to Decedent with medications and medical
24 supplies Defendant CANDITO was given free access to at North Las Vegas Fire Station 51—
25 were performed while Defendants were acting, purporting to act, or pretending to act in the
27 for the CNLV and/or NLVFD. Additionally, Defendants’ pretense of acting in the performance
28 of their official duties had the purpose and effect of influencing the behavior of Decedent,
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1 percipient witnesses, and their employer the CNLV and/or NLVFD. Third, Defendants’ conduct
2 was related in a meaningful way to their status as firefighter/EMTs, officers, managers, and/or
3 supervisors for the CNLV and/or NLVFD and performance of their duties for the CNLV and/or
4 NLVFD. Defendants are sued in both their official capacity and their individual capacity on this
5 claim.
7 HONSOWETZ, STOCKER, and DOE Defendants acted pursuant to customs, practices, and
9 70. On information and belief, prior to the subject incident, Defendants CANDITO,
11 disciplined, reprimanded, retrained, suspended, or otherwise penalized for any similar conduct,
12 including the use and provision of illicit drugs within the NLVFD or among CNLV employees,
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18 use;
20 the NLVFD, despite the stock including dangerous and addictive substances;
27 herein, which it knew or should have known had dangerous propensities for
2 NLVFD policies;
5 72. The above mentioned policies, practices, and customs were followed by CNLV
6 and NLVFD with such duration and frequency that employees considered them customary and
9 and DOE DEFENDANTS had either actual or constructive knowledge of the different policies,
10 practices, and customs alleged in the paragraphs above. Despite having knowledge as stated
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
12 DEFENDANTS, CNLV, and NLVFD condoned, tolerated and through actions and inactions
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13 ratified such policies. Such Defendants also acted with deliberate indifference to both the
14 foreseeable effects and consequences of these policies and to the constitutional rights of Plaintiffs
15 and Decedent.
16 74. As a NLVFD Captain, Defendant ROBISON was a superior officer within the
18 and customs evidences actual notice and deliberate indifference to the foreseeable consequences
19 of these practices, but also, constitutes an act by an individual with policy-making authority.
22 conduct and other wrongful acts, Defendants CNLV and NLVFD acted with an intentional,
23 reckless, callous disregard for the well-being of Plaintiffs and Decedent, and their constitutional
24 rights. Furthermore, the policies, practices, and customs implemented, maintained, and still
25 tolerated by Defendants CNLV and NLVFD were affirmatively linked to and were a significant
28 and customs, Decedent experienced severe physical and emotional pain and suffering and death.
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1 77. Also as a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned conduct, Plaintiff
2 CADE SLATSKY has been deprived of the life-long love, companionship, comfort, support,
3 society, and care of Decedent, and will continue to be so deprived for the remainder of his natural
4 life.
6 STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS, in their official capacity, CNLV, and NLVFD are each
7 liable to Plaintiffs for compensatory damages under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and Monell on this claim.
8 79. MARIAH MAAS and MARTIN SLATSKY bring this claim in representative
9 capacities as the appointed special administrator of Decedent’s Estate, and legal guardian of
11 80. Plaintiffs also seek attorneys’ fees and costs under this claim.
15 81. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege each and every allegation contained in the preceding
18 and DOE DEFENDANTS had a duty of reasonable care within their interactions and
21 and DOE DEFENDANTS breached that duty of care toward decedent by providing or procuring
22 illicit drugs, including but not limited to the subject morphine pills, for Decedent and encouraging
24 84. Defendant CANDITO breached his duty of reasonable care toward decedent
25 further by failing to seek appropriate medical attention for Decedent when he believed she was
26 experiencing a morphine overdose, and instead, taking Decedent to his own fire station to provide
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1 85. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ conduct as alleged above, and any
2 other negligent conduct discovered in the future, Decedent was caused to suffer severe pain,
3 suffering, and fear. Further, as a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ conduct, Decedent
4 ultimately died.
5 86. Defendants acted with actual malice toward Decedent and Plaintiffs by displaying
6 a reckless disregard for human life through procuring or providing illicit drugs and denial of
8 87. As a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned conduct, Plaintiff CADE
9 SLATSKY has been deprived of the life-long love, companionship, comfort, support, society,
10 and care of Decedent, and will continue to be so deprived for the remainder of his natural life.
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11 88. MARIAH MAAS and MARTIN SLATSKY bring this claim in representative
12 capacities as the appointed special administrator of Decedent’s Estate, and legal guardian of
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14 89. Plaintiffs also seek attorneys’ fees and costs under this claim.
16 Civil Liability for Violation of NRS 41.700 against Defendants CANDITO, CLAPPER,
18 90. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege each and every allegation contained in the preceding
21 1. A person who:
26 person allowing the use or over which the person has control, is liable
27 in a civil action for any damages caused as a result of the person using
2 recover his or her actual damages, attorneys’ fees and costs and any punitive
5 HONSOWETZ, STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS knowingly and unlawfully served, sold,
6 or otherwise furnished one of more controlled substances to Decedent on or about February 21,
11 belonging to the person allowing the use or over which the person has control on or about
15 NLVFD, and pursuant to the doctrine of respondeat superior, CNLV and/or NLVFD, are liable
16 to Plaintiffs for the injuries and damages caused by Defendants’ wrongful acts, as alleged herein.
17 95. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ conduct as alleged above, and any
18 other conduct discovered in the future, Decedent was caused to suffer severe pain, suffering, and
19 fear. Further, as a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ conduct in violation of NRS 41.700,
21 96. Defendants acted with actual malice toward Decedent and Plaintiffs by displaying
22 a reckless disregard for human life through procuring or providing illicit drugs and denial of
24 97. As a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned conduct, Plaintiff CADE
25 SLATSKY has been deprived of the life-long love, companionship, comfort, support, society,
26 and care of Decedent, and will continue to be so deprived for the remainder of his natural life.
27
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1 98. MARIAH MAAS and MARTIN SLATSKY bring this claim in representative
2 capacities as the appointed special administrator of Decedent’s Estate, and legal guardian of
4 99. Plaintiffs also seek attorneys’ fees and costs under this claim.
9 100. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege each and every allegation contained in the preceding
11 101. The State of Nevada and its political subdivisions have waived their immunity
12 from liability and consented to have its liability determined in accordance with the same rules of
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13 law as are applied to civil actions against natural persons and corporations.
14 102. The laws of the State of Nevada allow for action for injury, wrongful death or
15 other damage resulting from the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured by
17 103. Nev. Const. Art. 1, § 8(2) states that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty,
19 104. The Due Process Clause of the Nevada Constitution protects individuals from
20 state actions that deprive them of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
22 HONSOWETZ, STOCKER, and DOE DEFENDANTS, in their official capacity, CNLV, and
23 NLVFD, by and through its employees, agents, contractors, and/or staff, including but not limited
24 to Defendant Employees, violated the Constitution of the State of Nevada by causing Decedent
25 and Plaintiffs to be deprived of the rights, privileges, and/or immunities secured in the
26 Constitution of the State of Nevada, as alleged herein, and by failing to adhere to their oath of
27 office.
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1 106. At all times relevant hereto, Defendants CANDITO, CLAPPER, ROBISON,
3 NLVFD, and pursuant to the doctrine of respondeat superior, CNLV and/or NLVFD, are liable
4 to Plaintiffs for the injuries and damages caused by Defendants’ wrongful acts, as alleged herein.
5 107. At all times relevant hereto, Decedent and Plaintiff CADE SLATSKY were
6 citizens of the State of Nevada, and individuals who was entitled to the protections of Nev. Const.
8 108. The Due Process Clause under the Nev. Const. Art. 1, § 6, requires that the
9 procedures by which laws are applied be fundamentally fair, so that individuals are not subjected
to the arbitrary exercise of government power. The appropriate framework for assessing
10
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
procedural rules requires a determination as to whether the procedures are offensive to the
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11
concept of fundamental fairness.
12
109. The denial of medical care by Defendants, and each of them, deprived Decedent
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13
of her rights under the Nevada Constitution as set forth herein.
14 110. Defendants, and each of them, knew that failure to provide timely medical
15 treatment to Decedent could result in further significant injury or the unnecessary and wanton
16 infliction of pain, but disregarded that serious need, causing Decedent great bodily harm and
17 eventual death.
111. Decedent had a right, clearly established and enforceable, as protected under the
18
Nevada Constitution, to be free from neglect and physical abuse by Defendants. As a direct and
19
proximate result of Defendant’s conduct, Decedent was denied due process of law as protected
20
under the Nevada Constitution, by Defendants’ provision of illicit drugs and failure to render her
21
aid while in their control and custody. The Defendants’ conduct was offensive to the concept of
22 fundamental fairness, protected under the Nevada Constitution.
23 112. That the wrongful and unlawful acts perpetrated by the Defendants and each of
24 them, in intentionally disregarding the Nevada constitutional rights of Decedent were willful,
25 oppressive, malicious, and performed with a wanton disregard for the established and
constitutionally protected rights of Decedent.
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1 113. As a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned conduct, Plaintiff CADE
2 SLATSKY has been deprived of the life-long love, companionship, comfort, support, society,
3 and care of Decedent, and will continue to be so deprived for the remainder of his natural life.
4 114. MARIAH MAAS and MARTIN SLATSKY bring this claim in representative
5 capacities as the appointed special administrator of Decedent’s Estate, and legal guardian of
7 115. Plaintiffs also seek attorneys’ fees and costs under this claim.
10 116. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege each and every allegation contained in the preceding
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
12 117. Defendant CANDITO, while acting under color of law and within the course and
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13 scope of his duties as a CNLV and/or NLVFD employee, intentionally deprived Decedent of her
15 118. The conduct of Defendant CANDITO was a substantial factor in causing the harm
17 119. CNLV and NLVFD are vicariously liable for the wrongful acts of Defendant
18 CANDITO because such acts were undertaken under color of law and within the course and
20 120. The conduct of Defendant CANDITO was malicious, wanton, oppressive, and
21 accomplished with a conscious disregard for the rights of Decedent, entitling Plaintiffs to an
23 121. As a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned conduct, Plaintiff CADE
24 SLATSKY has been deprived of the life-long love, companionship, comfort, support, society,
25 and care of Decedent, and will continue to be so deprived for the remainder of his natural life.
26 122. MARIAH MAAS and MARTIN SLATSKY bring this claim in representative
27 capacities as the appointed special administrator of Decedent’s Estate, and legal guardian of
4 124. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege each and every allegation contained in the
6 125. Defendant CANDITO, while acting under color of law and within the course and
7 scope of his duties as a CNLV and/or NLVFD employee, intentionally touched and physically
8 harmed Decedent, in a number of unwanted ways, including, but not limited to, carrying
9 Decedent’s body to and from her home and Defendant CANDITO’s vehicle, piercing Decedent’s
10 skin to administer IV medication at North Las Vegas Fire Station 51, and other manipulations of
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
12 126. As a result of Defendant CANDITO’s actions, Decedent suffered severe pain and
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13 suffering and ultimately died. Defendant CANDITO had no permission to carry out the
15 127. The conduct of Defendant CANDITO was a substantial factor in causing the harm
17 128. CNLV and NLVFD are vicariously liable for the wrongful acts of Defendant
18 CANDITO because such acts were undertaken under color of law and within the course and
20 129. The conduct of Defendant CANDITO was malicious, wanton, oppressive, and
21 accomplished with a conscious disregard for the rights of Decedent, entitling Plaintiffs to an
23 130. As a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned conduct, Plaintiff CADE
24 SLATSKY has been deprived of the life-long love, companionship, comfort, support, society,
25 and care of Decedent, and will continue to be so deprived for the remainder of his natural life.
26 131. MARIAH MAAS and MARTIN SLATSKY bring this claim in representative
27 capacities as the appointed special administrator of Decedent’s Estate, and legal guardian of
5 133. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege each and every allegation contained in the preceding
7 134. Decedent was an invitee on Defendant GNLV, LLC’s property on February 21,
10 Center Drive, #1203, Henderson, NV 89052. Said property was owned and/or managed by
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
12 MANAGEMENT L.P.;
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13 136. GNLV, LLC, as a property owner and innkeeper, owed Decedent a duty to
16 MANAGEMENT L.P. owed Decedent a duty of reasonable care to keep the property secure for
18 138. Defendant GNLV, LLC had either actual or constructive knowledge of the hotel
19 party taking place in the paragraphs above. Despite having knowledge as stated above,
20 Defendant GNLV, LLC condoned, tolerated and through actions and inactions ratified the
22 139. It is foreseeable that drugs would be present and taken at a hotel party, such as the
23 one described above. Likewise, it is foreseeable that a person in attendance at a party such as the
24 one described above would suffer injury, up to and including death, as a result of an all-night
25 hotel party.
26 140. Defendant GNLV, LLC failed to take reasonable precautions, including, but not
27 limited to, providing adequate security personnel and equipment, to prevent hotel guests from
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1 holding a party on their premises in which extensive illicit drugs were available, distributed, and
2 consumed by party-goers.
3 141. Defendant GNLV, LLC failed to exercise due care for the safety of Decedent by
4 allowing their property to be used to hold a party in which extensive illicit drugs were available,
6 142. Upon information and belief, prior incidents of similar parties, resulting in acute
7 drug intoxication, overdose, and death have occurred on the premises and Defendant GNLV,
10 CAPITAL MANAGEMENT L.P. had either actual or constructive knowledge of the illicit drug
Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
11 use and distribution taking place on their property, as discussed in the paragraphs above. Despite
12 having knowledge as stated above, Defendants DOMAIN PROPERTY OWNER LLC and
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13 OAKTREE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT L.P. condoned, tolerated and through actions and
16 MANAGEMENT L.P. failed to take reasonable precautions, including, but not limited to,
17 providing adequate security personnel and equipment, to prevent residents and guests from
20 MANAGEMENT L.P. failed to exercise due care for the safety of Decedent by allowing their
22 146. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ conduct as alleged above, and any
23 other conduct discovered in the future, Decedent was caused to suffer severe pain, suffering, fear,
24 and death. Further, as a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ conduct in violation of NRS
26 147. Defendants acted with actual malice toward Decedent and Plaintiffs by displaying
27 a reckless disregard for human life through procuring or providing illicit drugs and denial of
2 SLATSKY has been deprived of the life-long love, companionship, comfort, support, society,
3 and care of Decedent, and will continue to be so deprived for the remainder of his natural life.
4 149. MARIAH MAAS and MARTIN SLATSKY bring this claim in representative
5 capacities as the appointed special administrator of Decedent’s Estate, and legal guardian of
7 150. Plaintiffs also seek attorneys’ fees and costs under this claim.
8 Plaintiffs, expressly reserving the right to amend this Complaint at the time of trial to
9 include all items of damages not yet ascertained, demands judgment against Defendants, and
16 5. For equitable relief that Defendants CNLV and NLVFD be required to adopt
18 6. For equitable relief that Defendants CNLV and NLVFD be required to comply
19 with training requirements for its employees to prevent further incidents such as
20 complained of herein;
24 8. For any and all pre and post-judgment interest as permitted by law;
26 10. For such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper.
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LLOYD BAKER INJURY ATTORNEYS
1
/s/ Andrew Barton
2
LLOYD W. BAKER, ESQ.
3 Nevada Bar No.: 6893
ANDREW BARTON, ESQ.
4 Nevada Bar No.: 12692
ALYSSA N. PIRAINO, ESQ.
5 Nevada Bar No.: 14601
500 S. Eighth Street
6 Las Vegas, Nevada 89l01
Attorneys for Plaintiff
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Phone (702) 360-4949 ◊ Facsimile (702) 360-3234
500 S. EIGHTH STREET, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101
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